Man City fans worried after star 'used completely wrong' by Enzo Maresca in Arsenal defeat

Manchester City fans are worried by how Elliot Anderson was used in their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield.

The 23-year-old made his competitive debut for the club at the Principality Stadium, following his £115 million move from Nottingham Forest in the summer transfer window.

Anderson was one of the standout performers in the Premier League last season and is a key part of the England national side, but will have to show huge improvement at the Etihad Stadium this coming season.

Enzo Maresca named the club-record signing in their starting line-up against Arsenal, with Anderson partnered by Mateo Kovacic in the heart of the Man City midfield. The former Forest man was utilised in a No.8 role, but suffered from the lack of cover offered by Kovacic in the tactical setup.

Anderson was replaced after an hour by Rico Lewis, having put in an underwhelming performance that left a lot to be desired. He completed 81% of his passes, sent his only shot off target and failed to find a target with any of his six crosses into the Arsenal box. The summer signing also won only 33% of his duels, failed to make a single tackle and was dispossessed on one occasion.

Although it was only a glorified friendly match, there was still some cause for concern and huge room for improvement when they begin the new Premier League season against Bournemouth next weekend.

Elliot Anderson made his competitive debut for City on Sunday. Image credit: Getty

Taking to social media during the match, one fan account wrote: "Anderson is being used completely wrong today. Hardly touched the ball."

In response, a Forest fan wrote: "I hope Enzo quickly learns that you want him in the center of the pitch to get the best from him. Nico cramps his space as well when he drops in as he did early doors today & during the World Cup in a couple of the early games. He's an outstanding player."

Anderson's underwhelming performance also led to plenty of criticism from rival supporters, who jumped at the chance to criticise the midfielder after just one appearance.

"Whoever sanctioned the Elliot Anderson deal for £116m needs a talking to," said one social media user. "When you cost that much you’re meant to be the person your teammates turn to when things go south. I see a bog standard midfielder who does bog standard things."

Another added: "This game told me everything I needed to know about Elliot Anderson at the top level. He thrives when the game is frantic and everything revolves around him but put him in a structured side that demands control and he looks completely lost."

Whether the blame lies with Anderson or Maresca, City will have to find a solution very soon.